Assessment & Impacts

Principles and Approaches Genetic interactions in ecosystems are more dynamic and complex than acknowledged so far. Genetic change and genetic exchange phenomena seem to occur more frequently in nature than in laboratories, and may be regulated by unknown environmental factors. Local environmental conditions and chemical contaminants (pesticides and other xenobiotics), that will undoubtedly vary in concentrations and combinations between different locations are examples of such environmental factors. These may have impacts on the extent of horizontal gene transfer, and on how modified genes are expressed and affect the recipient organisms. Consequently, it is important to establish model systems in the laboratory, which mimic the ecological interactions and complexity of the real world.

Basis for risk assessment and management:
Risk and probability are not the same. Risk can be defined as the probability of an occurrence of an incident or phenomenon, multiplied by the consequences arising therefrom, if it occurs. At this moment we know little about both probability and consequences in relation to putative health and environmental effects of many genetic engineering applications.

Horizontal gene transfer: Horizontal gene transfer signifies a non-sexual transmission of genetic information within or between species. The phenomenon is common in nature, but our knowledge concerning ecological processes promoting such events and barriers prohibiting them is scanty.

Socio-economic considerations: The impact of genetically modified organisms goes beyond ecological and health dimensions. They have profound impact on society, including livelihoods, production systems, trade, culture and ethics.

Comprehensive Studies on the Social Impacts of GM Crops Seriously Lacking

A review of 99 journal articles on the social impacts of GM crops in agriculture has found that very few are comprehensive in nature, focusing mostly on economic impacts in the Global South and presenting rosier results than warranted. […]

August 19th, 2015 | Category: Socio-Economic

Systems Biology Study Finds GMOs not “substantially equivalent”

A novel systems biology study shows that GM soy is not “substantially equivalent” to conventional soy, and that the US FDA’s regulatory standard of “substantial equivalence” to assess the safety of GM foods is “outdated and unscientific”. […]

August 12th, 2015 | Category: Food Safety

Effects of GE Soybean Feed on Goat Offspring

A scientific study has found that goats fed with genetically engineered soybean had 40% less immune substance in their milk, resulting in significant reductions in the weight of their offspring. […]

July 23rd, 2015 | Category: Health

Are GM Crops Better for the Environment?

This report examines whether GM crops are better for the environment and presents evidence that they can cause serious adverse environmental impacts. […]

July 15th, 2015 | Category: Ecological

Cry1Ab Protein Triggers Immunogenic and Allergenic Reactions in Mice

A study has found that exposure via nasal inhalation to the Bt protein Cry1Ab produced immunogenic and allergenic reactions in mice. […]

April 21st, 2015 | Category: Health

Unexpected Reactions in GM Maize in Response to Environmental Stress

A new study published in the journal PLOS One has demonstrated that gene expression and content of Bt toxin in GM maize cannot be reliably predicted, particularly under stressful conditions. […]

April 20th, 2015 | Category: Risk assessment

Unintended Effects Observed in Stacked GM Maize

A recent study has found unexpected effects in GM maize stacked with herbicide-tolerance and insect-resistant trait, as compared to GM maize with only one of these traits. […]

March 23rd, 2015 | Category: Risk assessment

Transgenes Found in Small Farmers’ Maize Seed Supplies in South Africa

A study has detected maize transgenes in informal seed supplies of smallholder farmers in Eastern Cape, South Africa, demonstrating the difficulty in preventing transgene flow where crops are grown close by and where seed saving and exchange are common. […]

March 11th, 2015 | Category: Ecological

Transgenes Found in Small Farmers’ Maize Seed Supplies in South Africa

A study has detected maize transgenes in informal seed supplies of smallholder farmers in Eastern Cape, South Africa, demonstrating the difficulty in preventing transgene flow where crops are grown close by and where seed saving and exchange are common. […]

March 11th, 2015 | Category: Socio-Economic

Socio-Ecological Factors Important in GMO Assessment

This commentary argues that the enforcement of a strict divide between nature and culture or social and ecological systems in Europe’s risk assessment of GMOs is counter-productive, for both robust science and considered ethical action. […]

December 10th, 2014 | Category: Socio-Economic
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